Inspired by lyrics to “To Be Free” by Harold Payne:
“There’s a trail waitin’ ’round the bend.
It’s a brand new day I can breathe again….
Somewhere beyond the lines, sweet independence shines.
And I will cleanse my soul in a mountain stream, face down my fears and dare to dream.
And for that moment of quiet dignity, I will feel what it’s like to be free.”
Responsive Reading for July 4
“Each of them will be like a shelter from the wind, a refuge from the rain.
They will be like streams of water in a dry country” (Is. 32:1-2).
I will cleanse my soul in a mountain stream,
face down my fears and dare to dream,
and for that moment of quiet dignity,
I will feel what it’s like to be free.
“Into your hands I commend my spirit; you will redeem me, Lord, God of truth…. I trust in the Lord. I will rejoice and be glad in your mercy …. You will not abandon me …, but will set my feet in a free and open space” (Psalm 66:8-
9, 12).
There’s a trail waitin’ ’round the bend.
It’s a brand new day. I can breathe again.
I will feel what it’s like to be free.
“Bless our God, you peoples; loudly sound his praise, Who has kept us alive and not allowed our feet to slip…. we went through fire and water; then you led us out to freedom” (Ps. 31:1-7).
I feel what it’s like to be free.
With wounded heart and weathered hands,
I have searched for answers from broken plans,
But somewhere beyond the lines,
Sweet independence shines.
When ” the spirit from on high is poured out on us. And the wilderness becomes a garden land and the garden land seems as common as forest. Then judgment will dwell in the wilderness and justice abide in the garden land. The work of justice will be peace; the effect of justice, calm and security forever.
My people will live in peaceful country, in secure dwellings and quiet resting
places” (Is. 32:15-18).
Up above the timberline,
I see the golden rainbows shine.
Lighting my way home.
And I will cleanse my soul in a mountain stream,
face down my fears and dare to dream.
And for that moment of quiet dignity,
I will feel what it’s like to be free.